Junior K Chase Paulus kicks a field goal in the Cranes 42-7 road win over Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in 2018.
(S.Fairman- Photo Credit)
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (4-3) will face the Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard Fighting Irish (4-3) in a CHSL AA divisional game in Week 8 action. The Fighting Irish narrowly lead this series 2-1 all time.
Richard comes into this game having achieved victories over Clio 31-8, Detroit Old Redford 54-14, Macomb Lutheran North 14-7 and Whitmore Lake 22-20. They have suffered defeats against Detroit Loyola 28-24, University of Detroit Jesuit 42-0, and Dearborn Divine Child 35-12.
In a game that has MHSAA playoff ramifications, Richard must win to keep its hopes alive.
“Richard has a strong ball control offense,” said Cranes head coach Ben Jones. “They averaged about 23 points a game.”
The Fighting Irish need to win 1 out of the remaining 2 games to qualify for the MHSAA state playoffs. They have only missed the post season twice since 2008.
This game is critical to their playoff chances.
“We expect a strong opponent this week”, said Jones. “We will be tested.”
Senior QB Greg Kendzicky leads the Mustangs; senior OL/DL Andrew Covert owns the trenches. Senior WR/DB Stephen McGlade is a dual threat.
The Cranes come into this game ready to make a run for the MHSAA playoffs for the 6th consecutive year. A victory over the Fighting Irish would improve their chances.
With victories over Pontiac 41-0, Walled Lake Central 10-0, Riverview Gabriel Richard 15-7, and Macomb Lutheran North 24-15, Cranbrook has three losses on the year- a loss to Dearborn Divine Child 14-10, a 16-0 loss to Loyola, and a 40-3 defeat by U of Detroit Jesuit.
“Our team is learning to overcome setbacks. We see development in our players,” said Coach Jones.
Sophomore QB Shane Wittenburg under center. Senior RB Tariq Muhammad continues to push the running game. Senior WR Gabe Peterson has led the air assualt.
The Crane defense, led by seniors LB Jack Fairman, DT Will Kerr, DB Jacob Peruski, and junior Bryce Hall have maintained the championship defense that Cranbrook is known for with less than 6 points allowed on average in their victories.
This CHSL-AA-conference game will be played at the Del Walden Field, Thompson Oval, on the Cranbrook Campus. The field is located at 550 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.